This 'Pale Ale' was a bit pale but not ready for the pail.
Written: Dec 03 '00 (Updated Dec 03 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Came in a variety pack. Refreshing ale.
Cons: Was not a great example of the Pale Ale style
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| TSomes's Full Review: Saranac I.P.A |
Here’s the situation; it’s Saturday night and I’m wandering through a beverage store in Lenox, Massachusetts. My son’s hockey team was playing in a tournament and after three tough games most of us dads were looking for a cold one to relax with and get ready for the championship game Sunday morning. This particular place had a rather nice selection of beers and I found myself pacing back and forth looking for the perfect beer. The brew had to be something I had not had before, something that would provide the opportunity to post another brew review.
What is a man to drink?
After what I’m sure was a longer period of time than was necessary I focused in on a six-pack of Saranac. This particular six-pack was one of the breweries variety packs. Know as ‘Saranac Adirondack Trail Mix’ these variety packs can be found in six and twelve bottle combinations. Knowing that I was heading home the next day and would only drink a beer or two I opted for the six-pack option.
Whats in a six bottle trail mix?
The Saranac six bottle Trail Mix offers the customer the opportunity to try four of breweries offerings. The six pack has two bottles each of Black & Tan and Pale Ale and a single bottle of Adirondak Amber and Pilsner. I had tried Saranac’s Black & Tan but the other three were new to me. What else could I ask for, some cold brews and material for three brew reviews.
The beer of the hour, Saranac Pale Ale.
So what should one expect when trying a breweries I.P.A. for the first time? In this case I was looking for hops, lots of hops along with a bit of malt. I was looking for a brew that had some complexity. Not complexity like a stout or porter but something a definite step above a brew made for the masses. Saranac’s web site described its I.P.A. as follows: ’A brew that would make the English jealous! This true English Pale Ale is rich and fruity, yet finishes crisp. You'll love the copper amber color and medium body.
Having those thoughts in mind I popped open my first Saranac Pale. Before I even poured this on into a glass I was a bit skeptical, where were the hops. I have had other India Pales that spewed hops as soon as the top was off. This on had hops but you had to stick your nose right to the neck of the bottle. I still had faith that this brew would not let me down. Having marginally passed the initial aroma test I decided it was time for a good pour.
The pale ale poured out an attractive light amber color and formed a nice head. Not real thick but it was present had some life to it. The beers hoppy aroma was a bit more noticeable emanating from the glass. Now it was time for the true acid test, how does this bad boy taste.?
Well I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with this pale ale. Yes there are hops but if you are a lover of pale ales you will find this one this beer on the mild side. I guess I need to clarify that I enjoyed this beer but I was disappointed in that it was not the big hop monster of an India Pale Ale I was hoping for. This beer was refreshing and offers the drinker a pale ale that seems to be brewed for the tastes of the mass public and not as a true example of the beer’s tradition.
If you are looking for a beer with a bit more to offer than it’s mass produced brothers you might give this a try. If you are looking for a tried and true India Pale Ale I would suggest you give another brewer a try.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
TSomes
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Member: Tedd Somes
Location: Bolton, CT.
Reviews written: 160
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About Me:
Just an ordinary guy with opinions on life and the world around us.
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